The first Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP) was held in Abuja, Nigeria from 9 to 10 May 2022 on the theme of ‘Enhancing Africa’s Post-COVID economic recovery through parliamentary leadership’.

The conference was initiated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the CPA Africa Region President, Rt Hon. Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila MP and it was attended by Speakers of Parliaments across Africa including Ethiopia, Egypt, Ghana, Kenya, Rwanda, Cameroon, Senegal, Malawi, Algeria and South Africa.

At the official opening ceremony, the Vice-President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, His Excellency Prof Yemi Osinbajo, delivered the keynote address stressing the importance of the institution of Parliament in promoting democracy and fostering economic development.

The Deputy Secretary-General of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association, Mr Jarvis Matiya also spoke at the conference to outline the Commonwealth’s shared values of development, democracy and gender equality as well as the CPA’s work across the CPA Africa Region.

The Conference of Speakers and Heads of African Parliaments (CoSAP) is a new body that aims to facilitate improved deliberation, collaboration and cooperation between the Speakers and Heads of Parliaments and National Assemblies across Africa to foster the unity of the continent.

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The Commonwealth Parliamentary Association connects, develops, promotes and supports Parliamentarians and their staff to identify benchmarks of good governance and the implementation of the enduring values of the Commonwealth. The CPA is an international community of around 180 Commonwealth Parliaments and Legislatures working together to deepen the Commonwealth’s commitment to the highest standards of democratic governance.

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